Microsoft has announced significant changes to its AI-powered Windows Recall feature.
Originally designed to record user activity for enhanced search and productivity, Recall will now be opt-in, requiring explicit consent from users before activation.
“We are updating the set-up experience of Copilot+ PCs to give people a clearer choice to opt-in to saving snapshots using Recall. If you don’t proactively choose to turn it on, it will be off by default,” said Windows & Devices Corporate Vice President Pavan Davuluri.
“Windows Hello enrollment is required to enable Recall. In addition, proof of presence is also required to view your timeline and search in Recall.”
The changes come in response to significant backlash following the initial announcement of Recall, which raised concerns about potential privacy violations and unauthorized data collection.
By making Recall opt-in and requiring Windows Hello, Microsoft aims to give users more control over their data and ensure that only authorized individuals can access their activity history.
